Hà Nội is the capital city of Vietnam, located in the northern part of the country. As of 2021, the population of Hà Nội is estimated to be around 8 million people. The city has a rich history, with influences from French colonialism and Chinese culture. Hà Nội is known for its beautiful architecture, stunning landscapes, and of course, its food.
One of the most famous dishes in Hà Nội is Phở, which is a type of noodle soup. Phở is typically made with beef or chicken broth, and includes rice noodles, thinly sliced meat, and herbs like basil and coriander. Some variations of phở also include tripe or beef balls. The dish is often served with a side of bean sprouts, lime wedges, and chili peppers. Phở can be found in many restaurants and street vendors throughout Hà Nội, and is usually eaten for breakfast or lunch.
Another popular dish in Hà Nội is Bún chả, which is a type of grilled pork noodle. The dish consists of rice vermicelli noodles, grilled pork, and herbs like mint and cilantro. The pork is marinated in a mixture of fish sauce, sugar, garlic, and chili peppers, and is then grilled over an open flame. Bún chả is often served with a dipping sauce made from fish sauce, vinegar, sugar, and chili peppers. This dish is usually eaten for lunch or dinner.
Bánh mì is another popular food item in Hà Nội. It is a type of sandwich that consists of a crispy baguette filled with various meats, vegetables, and herbs. The most common types of meat used in bánh mì are pork belly, pâté, and Vietnamese sausage. Vegetables like cucumbers, pickled carrots, and cilantro are also added to the sandwich. The bread used for bánh mì is typically made with rice flour, which gives it a light and crispy texture. This dish is often eaten for breakfast or as a snack throughout the day.
In addition to food, Hà Nội is also known for its beverages. One of the most popular drinks in Hà Nội is egg coffee, or cà phê trứng. It is a type of coffee made with egg yolks, sugar, and condensed milk. The egg yolks are whisked together with the other ingredients, and then poured over a cup of hot coffee. The result is a creamy and sweet coffee that is enjoyed by many in Hà Nội. Egg coffee is often served in small coffee shops throughout the city, and is typically consumed in the morning or afternoon.
Another popular beverage in Hà Nội is bia hơi, which is a type of beer that is brewed daily and sold in small street-side establishments. Bia hơi is made with rice and is lighter and less alcoholic than traditional beer. It is served in small glasses and is often enjoyed by locals in the evenings after work. The beer is typically paired with small dishes like peanuts or fried dough.